Venus Among the Fishes [Paperback]

Elizabeth Hall (Author), Scott O'Dell (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Killer whales are invading the peaceful dolphin territory of Glacier Strait. Coral and her brother Snapper are sent from their herd to search for their older brother, and safer waters. Coral's journey is treacherous as she encounters vicious sharks and whales and hazardous fishing nets. But the greatest danger of all comes when Coral confronts the humans and the terror of captivity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This story about dolphins was begun by the late author of Island of the Blue Dolphins and completed by his widow, but "unchecked anthropomorphism" and "sentimental incidents" sink the enterprise, said PW. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. O'Dell began this manuscript, and his wife finished it after he died. Coral, the narrator, is a young, female dolphin whose father sends her to find her brother and bring him home to help the pod, which is beset by orcas. On her journey, she meets humans, an enemy worse than the orcas, who seem determined to kill everything in the sea. Eventually, Coral is captured and set to work training rescue divers for the navy. She also falls in love, but Mark, a human, has too many limitations for underwater living. The dolphin characters are not interestingly developed, and Coral's crush on Mark seems silly. What redeems the book are its scientific underpinnings and its underwater perspective on dolphin hunting and shows, which readers will find more attractive than the anthropomorphic characters or the plot. Mary Harris Veeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440411750
• ISBN-13: 978-0440411758
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #502,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent shift in perspective., July 2, 1999

By 

Margaret Fiore - See all my reviews

This review is from: Venus Among the Fishes (Hardcover)

This tale of a dolphin adventure is beautifully done. The details are solidly based in fact, and presented without excessive scientific jargon. It gives the point-of-view of a dolphin with just enough anthropomorhising to allow the reader to identify with the animal. It also presents the plight of our sea mammals without being overly maudlin. A delicate touch.

I bought this book for my 8-year-old daughter, but both of us enjoyed it hugely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!!!!!!!!!!!, May 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Venus Among the Fishes (Hardcover)

This book is really interesting. It shows how other animals might think when they are in a situation. This is well written. I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 days. I recomend this to anyone who likes interesting books.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book describes how dolphins might see the world., January 31, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Venus Among the Fishes (Hardcover)

I am a 3rd grader and I liked the book, Venus among the Fishes, very much because itis dramatic and action-filled. I liked the way the author described the world as a dolphin would see it. After reading this book, I am very interested in dolphins and want to read more about them.